Intelligibility in potency, intellectual potentiality and intrinsic intelligibility: Three analogical levels of perfection in Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

ABSTRACT: One of the notions used by Saint Tomas Aquinas to refer to the corporeal being and to the spiritual being is that of «intelligible in potency» and «intelligible in act». This article delves into the meaning and scope of these concepts and in the ontological foundations of the previous distinction. The soul is considered as occupying the last place among the intelligible beings and this explains the distinction subject-object with occurs in the act of human knowledge. When considering the notion of intelligible in act an argument is found in favour of that distinction being overcome in the act of self-knowledge of a separate form. Finally, following Francisco Canals in this point, the article shows the preeminence, in the Aquinas' thoughts, of the intimacy and subsistence of the spirit above any passivity or receptivity.